‘Your daughter doesn’t owe anyone a hug’

‘Go give your auntie a hug’, ‘Say thanks to your sister, give her a little kiss!’ I can’t count how many times I’ve heard these words during the holidays as a child. And I never understood them. Why should I suddenly start hugging everyone? I don’t feel like it, everything is overwhelming enough already. Some personal space and quiet time is what I’d prefer.

Are you still telling your child to hug her family? Maybe pushing a little bit too hard? You might want to reconsider doing that.